Me! No, I didn’t win first prize, but I placed 16 out of 25, so my short story, “Mama,” will be published in the 17th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection. Each year, Writer’s Digest sponsors a variety of writing competitions, the winners of which win cash prizes and/or have their work published … Read more
It is time for her to stand up and claim herself. She must now bring forth from beneath that bushel basket The wonders she has kept hidden for fear they’d be snatched away. She will collect the many griefs and burdens And surrender them in exchange for Solace in the arms of her treasures. … Read more
Our first amendment rights not only allow US the freedom of speech, they allow OTHERS the same right. Why do we become so hateful when we hear things we don’t like? Each of us is entitled to have our own beliefs and give voice to them. If I don’t agree with you, are you more … Read more
Michael J. Malone’s Beyond the Rage is one of those novels that keeps you thinking long after you turn the last page. Its hero, Kenny O’Neill, made appearances in Malone’s previous books in the DI Ray McBain series (Blood Tears and A Taste for Malice). Kenny, a successful criminal with friends in many places, is … Read more
I’ve been reading Iris Johansen’s books since the 1980s and enjoyed every single one of them. Sight Unseen is my first introduction to her collaborations with Roy Johansen and it’s no surprise it hit the New York Time’s bestseller list right out of the gate. Kendra Michaels is a recurring character in a number of previous novels … Read more
Lisa Scottoline’s Keep Quiet is one of those novels that keeps you wondering how you’d behave if you were able to change the outcome of a single, regrettable decision. What would you do if you were responsible for the tragic car accident your son caused? Just how far would you go to protect him? And how … Read more
Although the Book Depository’s blurb for The Guillotine Choice appears below, it doesn’t touch on the powerful and emotional impact of this novel. Malone, who is best known for his award-winning poetry and crime novels featuring DI Ray McBain, has proven himself to be a versatile and truly gifted writer. I have a habit of reading … Read more
The Player, Parks’ most recent novel in his Carter Ross series, is exciting, amusing, and suspenseful–all in a classy way. In this book, our hero (a reporter for a New Jersey newspaper) investigates the strange and sometimes deadly illnesses affecting a small neighborhood in the city … all while fielding a number of personal and professional … Read more
This crossed my desk today and I thought all you writers would find it interesting: Reprinted from “The Book Marketing Expert newsletter,” a free ezine offering book promotion and publicity tips and techniques. http://www.amarketingexpert.com For years New York publishers (also called legacy publishing or corporate publishing) were at the top of the publishing food chain. They … Read more
My guest blogger, Michaelbrent Collings, finishes his little rant about writing rules. Specifically, The ONLY Three Rules You MUST NOT BREAK. Here’s Part Two. Part One appeared on Sunday, February 23rd. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3) Make Me Better Or Leave Me Alone A few of you might have noticed that these rules are NOT written from the point of … Read more